Most rural roads in Baitadi blocked amid continuous rainfall

Baitadi: Continuous rainfall has caused the blockage of most rural roads across Baitadi, severely disrupting transportation in the district.

Drivers have expressed concerns over the risks associated with operating vehicles on unpaved rural roads during the rainy season. Jeep driver Sher Singh Karki highlighted that the absence of road upgrading has increased these hazards. “It is very difficult to operate vehicles on rural unpaved roads during the rainy season. The risk is higher as the roads have not been upgraded,” he stated.

While upgrading work is underway on the Satbanjh-Surnaya road, including widening efforts, landslides during the rainy season continue to pose significant challenges for vehicle operation. Similar issues have been reported on the Shribhavar-Hat road section, which connects the center of Purchaundi Municipality.

Transport entrepreneurs noted that large buses have been unable to operate during this period. Drivers also reported difficulties navigating rural unpaved roads linking various wards of Sigas Rural Municipality. Roads such as Dehimadau-Giregada, Sillegada-Kataujpani, and Melauli-Pancheshwor are particularly risky during the rainy season.

Additionally, the Patan-Sakar-Kailpal road, Dharmaghar-Sansherimadu road, Dehimadau-Durgabhawani road, and Dehimadau-Surkal road are currently blocked due to heavy rains. Jeep driver Narendra Kunwar stated that many rural roads have collapsed in places, forcing drivers to take considerable risks. “Rural roads become muddy due to rain and there is a fear of landslides. We have to drive at great risk,” he explained.

With many rural roads non-operational, passengers are facing increased fares as transport entrepreneurs justify higher charges due to the risks involved. Haris Saund of Dogadakedar-1 Rim noted that landslides cause road blockages annually during the rainy season, forcing people to carry daily necessities themselves. “When rural roads are blocked, there is a problem in transporting daily necessities for urgent work,” he added.